Neoclassical Seating
NEOCLASSICAL STYLE
Neoclassical design emerged in Europe in the 1750s, as the Age of Enlightenment reached full flower. Neoclassical furniture took its cues from the styles of ancient Rome and Athens: symmetrical, ordered, dignified forms with such details as tapered and fluted chair and table legs, backrest finials and scrolled arms.
Over a period of some 20 years, first in France and later in Britain, neoclassical design — also known as Louis XVI, or Louis Seize — would supersede the lithe and curvaceous Rococo or Louis XV style.
The first half of the 18th century had seen a rebirth of interest in classical antiquity. The "Grand Tour" of Europe, codified as a part of the proper education of a patrician gentleman, included an extended visit to Rome. Some ventured further, to sketch the ruins of ancient Greece. These drawings and others — particularly those derived from the surprising and rich archaeological discoveries in the 1730s and ’40s at the sites of the Roman cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum — caused great excitement among intellectuals and aesthetes alike.
Neoclassical furniture is meant to reflect both grace and power. The overall appearance of neoclassical chairs, tables and cabinetry is strong and rectilinear. These pieces are, in effect, classical architecture in miniature: chair and table legs are shaped like columns; cabinets are constructed with elements that mirror friezes and pediments.
Yet neoclassicism is enlivened by gilt and silver leaf, marquetry, and carved and applied ornamental motifs based on Greek and Roman sculpture: acanthus leaves, garlands, laurel wreaths, sheaves of arrow, medallions and chair splats are carved in the shapes of lyres and urns. Ormolu — or elaborate bronze gilding — was essential to French design in the 18th and 19th centuries as a cornerstone of the neoclassical and Empire styles.
As you can see from the furniture on these pages, there is a bit of whimsy in such stately pieces — a touch of lightness that will always keep neoclassicism fresh.
Find antique neoclassical furniture today on 1stDibs.
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Style: Neoclassical
Antique Italian Neoclassical French Louis XVI Carved Walnut Low Boudoir Chair
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique Italian Neoclassical French Louis XVI Style Carved Walnut Low Boudoir Chair. Item features a distressed finish, solid wood frame, oversized seat cushion, urn and arrow carved...
Category
Mid-20th Century Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Fabric, Walnut
Pair of Italian Neoclassic Style '19th Century' Open Armchairs
Located in Queens, NY
Pair of Italian neoclassic style '19th century' maple open armchairs with carved black lacquered mermaid on arms and beige upholstery.
Category
19th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Maple
Blue Leather Swivel Chair
Located in Westwood, NJ
A haven of relaxation where classic design meets cloud-like comfort. With its generously padded, rolled armrests and deep, inviting seat cushion, this chair is a call to leisure, cr...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Asian Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Leather
Pair of Gold Trimmed Neoclassical Opera Chairs
Located in Asheville, NC
Classical in form, with gorgeous detail, these upholstered seats are well-made and in great condition!!
Category
Early 20th Century Italian Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Fruitwood
Traditional Brown Leather Swivel Chair
Located in Westwood, NJ
This classic chair is upholstered in our vintage Cuba Brown leather and crafted with pure Aniline top-grade leather.
Dimensions: 31" W x 38" D x 38" H
Seat 18" W x 21" D x 17" H
Arm...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Asian Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Leather
Italian Neoclassic Gold Armchairs
Located in Queens, NY
Pair of Italian Neo-classic (Neopolitan 18th Cent) open Armchairs with square fluted tapered legs and carving on backrail with gold upholstered seat and back
Fabric is worn and has ...
Category
18th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Giltwood
Pair of Italian Neoclassic Patinated Bronze Athenienne Form Urns
Located in Queens, NY
Pair of Italian Neo-classic (19th Century) bronze Athenian form urns with natural patina, featuring lions' head embellishments with ring handles, resting on three lions feet joined b...
Category
19th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Metal, Bronze
Italian Venetian Style Bergére Arm Chair
Located in Queens, NY
"Italian Venetian-style (19th Century) white and gold painted and carved high back bergère with white upholstery.
Some loss to finish, minor stains on upholstery."
Category
19th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Giltwood
Pair of Fine Neoclassical Style Paint Decorated Arm Chairs
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A pair of custom upholstered arm chairs with intentionally distressed paint decorated frames in bluish taupe. The carved palmettes on the arm supports echo the ones on the crest rail...
Category
20th Century Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Wood
Open Lattice Dining Armchairs
Located in Westwood, NJ
Crafted from rich mahogany, this chair features a classic silhouette that gracefully blends with any decor style. The chair's standout feature is its exquisite white eggshell inlay o...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Wood
Italian Neo-Classic Pink Stripe Arm Chair
Located in Queens, NY
Italian Neo-classic (18th Cent) Piedmontese grey painted open arm chair with scroll carved arms and square tapered legs upholstered in pink stri...
Category
18th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Paint, Upholstery, Wood
Pair of Italian Neo-Classic Giltwood Upholstered Taborets / Benches / Stools
By Stilnovo
Located in Queens, NY
Pair of Italian Neo-Classic (Late 18th Century) giltwood taborets / foot stools with circular brown upholstered padded seats, encircled by a carved frieze in an interlocking pattern,...
Category
18th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Fabric, Upholstery, Wood
Seating group, France c. 1790
Located in Greding, DE
Three-piece seating group consisting of two armchairs (95 x 66 x 64 x 45 cm) and one large armchair (97 x 98 x 70 x 45 cm) made of mahogany. The group is covered with a green fabric....
Category
18th Century French Antique Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Mahogany, Fabric
Set of seven Neoclassical Dining Room Chairs, early 19th Century
Located in Greding, DE
Set of six dining chairs and one armchair on high, elegant square tapered legs with thread inlays. The rear legs are slightly flared and, together with the rounded backrests, give th...
Category
Early 19th Century German Antique Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Cherry
Four Edward Wormley Precedent by Drexel Dining Chairs 239-4 8 Available
Located in Pasadena, TX
Edward Wormley designed for Precedent Side Chairs series 239-4 in 1947, neoclassical area.
Set of 4 dining chairs, solid wood construction, natural finish.
8 available
Category
1940s American Vintage Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Wood
Classic Wingback Black Leather Chair
Located in Westwood, NJ
With traditional top grain black onyx leather, with high classic wingback backrest and boxed cushion seat raised on tapered legs.
Dimensions: 28" W x 36" D x 40" H Seat - 20" H Arm ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Asian Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Leather
Italian Neo-Classic Upholstered Bench
Located in Queens, NY
Italian Neo-classic (18th Century) pink painted and gilt trimmed rectangular bench with carved apron and legs and upholstered seat
Category
18th Century and Earlier Italian Antique Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Gold Leaf
Open Lattice Dining Chairs
Located in Westwood, NJ
Crafted from rich mahogany, this chair features a classic silhouette that gracefully blends with any decor style. The chair's standout feature is its exquisite white eggshell inlay o...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Wood
Traditional Black Leather Swivel Chair
Located in Westwood, NJ
This classic chair is upholstered in our classic Onyx Black leather and crafted with pure Aniline top-grade leather.
Dimensions: 31" W x 38" D x 38" H
Seat 18" W x 21" D x 17" H
Ar...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Asian Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Leather
Set of 4 Italian Fruitwood Gold Arm Chairs
Located in Queens, NY
"Set of 4 Italian Neo-classic (19th Century) fruitwood open arm chairs with front carving & rounded arms with a woven style gold upholstered seat and back
One chair has former repai...
Category
19th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Fruitwood, Upholstery
Italian Neoclassic Two-Seat Chair Settee, Late 18th C.
Located in Atlanta, GA
An Italian two-chair back carved-wood settee from the turn of the 18th and 19th century. This antique tête-à-tête (loveseat) from Italy features a straight top-rail along back, above...
Category
Late 19th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Wood
Classic Tufted Brown Leather Armchair
Located in Westwood, NJ
A classic leather upholstered tub back armchair. In our Havana Brown leather with button tufted backrest and a cushioned seat, raised on a swivel base.
Dimensions: 30" W x 28" D x 31...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Asian Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Leather
Swedish Armchair
Located in Vosselaar, BE
19th century Scandinavian armchair in beech and linnen. This charming armchair was made in Sweden in the local neoclassical style. As common practice in this region the chair is pain...
Category
Late 19th Century Scandinavian Antique Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Beech
Pair of 18th century Italian Walnut & Cane Fauteuils, ca. 1790
Located in Atlanta, GA
A pair of walnut and cane fauteuils in the neoclassical form, dating from the end of the 18th century and Italian in origin.
William Word Fine Antiques: Atlanta's source for anti...
Category
Late 18th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Walnut
Classic Blue Leather Swivel Chair
Located in Westwood, NJ
A masterpiece that encapsulates timeless charm and contemporary comfort. Crafted with high-quality Chateau Blue leather, it boasts iconic diamond quilting and channels that bring an ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Asian Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Leather
American West Leather Armchair
Located in Westwood, NJ
Upholstered with vintage style Havana brown leather. This handsome chair has been given some angles that you will enjoy. The seat back almost wants to be a wing but is gently angled ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Asian Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Leather
Fine Pair of Neoclassical Armchairs
Located in New York, NY
This exquisite pair of armchairs features high, rounded backrests and C-shaped armrests. They stand on octagonal legs with leaf capitals and bases as well as sabre legs. The intricat...
Category
1820s Italian Antique Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Cherry, Fruitwood
19th Century, Six Italian Neoclassical Lacquered Wood Benches
Located in IT
19th Century, six Italian neoclassical lacquered wood benches.
Measures: 4 stools: D 46.5 x W 46.5 x H 51 cm
2 benches: D 46.5 x W 82 x H 51 cm
...
Category
Early 18th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Wood
Pair of Swedish Neoclassic Striped Armchairs
Located in Queens, NY
Pair of Swedish Neoclassic patinated composition & birch Armchairs with sleigh form back & seat upholstered in red & blue striped cotton. ...
Category
19th Century Swedish Antique Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Birch, Upholstery
Pair of Italian Neo-Classic Gold Armchairs
Located in Queens, NY
Pair of Italian Neo-classic (Neopolitan 18th Cent) open Armchairs with square fluted tapered legs and carving on backrail with gold upholstered seat and back
Fabric is worn and has ...
Category
18th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Gold
Classic Tufted Blue Leather Armchair
Located in Westwood, NJ
A classic leather upholstered tub back armchair. In our Chateau Blue leather with button tufted backrest and a cushioned seat, raised on a swivel base.
Dimensions: 30" W x 28" D x 31...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Asian Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Leather
Black Classic Leather Armchair
Located in Westwood, NJ
Featuring a high back design for ultimate support and rolled arms with intricate pleating detail, inviting you to a world of comfort with just one look. Wrapped in Onyx Black leather...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Asian Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Leather
Pair of Italian Neoclassical Walnut Armchairs
Located in Essex, MA
With slightly arched back with central portrait medallion over a pierced splat, upholstered seat , carved arms, seat rail with carved portrait medallion, raised on square tapered flu...
Category
Early 1800s Italian Antique Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Walnut
Italian Gilt Carved Wood Floral Window Bench. Circa 1780
Located in Charleston, SC
Italian gilt carved wood window bench with scrolled floral medallion arms, carved floral skirt , and terminating on scrolled fluted legs. Bench has b...
Category
1780s Italian Antique Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Gold Leaf
Maison Romeo, Large Neoclassical Bergère Chair, circa 1980
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Maison Romeo, large neoclassical bergère chair, circa 1980.
Category
1980s French Vintage Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Wood
Pair Of Eighteenth Century Venetian Painted Armchairs
Located in Essex, MA
Transitional with a shaped arched upholstered back and seat raised on square tapered legs. Wonderful original painted surface with a light green and painted with floral sprays and gi...
Category
1760s Italian Antique Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Wood
Set of 4 Italian Neoclassic Silk Upholstery Chairs
Located in Queens, NY
Set of 4 Italian Neoclassic style parcel gilt & cream painted side chairs with green damask silk upholstery above spiral fluted turned legs (19th Cent)
Antique condition, upholstery...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Damask, Giltwood
Vintage Italian Classic Mahogany Scroll Back Tufted Leather Side Chairs, Pair
Located in Chicago, IL
Vintage Italian set of 2 Classic Mahogany Scroll Back Tufted Leather Side Chairs w/Antique Gold Nailhead Trim - Pair
Category
Late 20th Century Unknown Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Leather, Wood
Pair of Large Tabourets, Beech Wood, France, circa 1860
Located in Regensburg, DE
Beautiful pair of large french stools or tabouret from the mid 19th century.
Solid beech, partly ebonized. Restored and hand polished with shellac.
Newly upholstered and covered with...
Category
1860s French Antique Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Velvet, Beech
Neoclassical Period Walnut Armchair with Fluted Tapering Legs, Italy, ca. 1790
Located in Atlanta, GA
Neoclassical period walnut armchair with fluted tapering legs, Italy ca. 1790.
Category
Late 18th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Walnut
Pair of Neoclassical Style 19th Century Painted Stools with Red Upholstery
Located in Atlanta, GA
A pair of Neoclassical style painted wood stools from the 19th century, with fluted legs, carved rosettes and red upholstery. Created during the 19th century, each of this pair of Ne...
Category
19th Century Antique Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Fabric, Upholstery, Wood
Pair of English Victorian Painted Side Chairs
Located in Queens, NY
Pair of English Victorian (Aesthetic Movement) painted side chairs with lion head finials on back with and upholstered seat and back and front stretcher
Category
19th Century English Antique Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
Classic Tufted Tub Back Armchair
Located in Westwood, NJ
A Classic leather upholstered tub back armchair. In our Cuba brown leather with button tufted backrest and a cushioned seat, raised on a swivel base.
Dimen...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Asian Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Leather
Classic Black Leather Swivel Armchair
Located in Westwood, NJ
A classic style Onyx Black leather upholstered armchair, upholstered with pure aniline top grade leather, with large nailhead details on a swivel base.
Dimensions: 32" W x 30" D x 3...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Asian Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Leather
Italian Neoclassic Style Upholstered Stool
Located in Queens, NY
Italian Neoclassic style (circa 1925) parcel gilt & cream painted stool with close buttoned upholstered square seat on cabriole legs with acanthus brackets.
Category
19th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Gold Leaf
Classic Medium Brown Leather Swivel Chair
Located in Westwood, NJ
A masterpiece that encapsulates timeless charm and contemporary comfort. Crafted with high-quality Cuba Brown leather, it boasts iconic diamond quilting and channels that bring an ai...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Asian Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Leather
Italian Neo-Classic Shield Side Chair
Located in Queens, NY
Italian Neo-classic style (19th Cent) brown painted and gilt trimmed side chair with oval open carved shield form back and striped upholstered seat.
Category
19th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Gold Leaf
Leather, Modern Copa Sofa
Located in New York, NY
The Copa Sofa is the epitome of comfort and warm hospitality, offering a truly welcoming experience. Its design stands out for its versatility and adaptability, seamlessly fitting in...
Category
2010s Portuguese Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Leather, Wood
Havana Brown Leather Swivel Chair
Located in Westwood, NJ
A haven of relaxation where classic design meets cloud-like comfort. With its generously padded, rolled armrests and deep, inviting seat cushion, this chair is a call to leisure, cra...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Asian Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Leather
Set of 4 Italian Neo-Classic Floral Side Chairs
Located in Queens, NY
Set of 4 Italian Neoclassic white painted and floral decorated side chairs (19th Century)
Category
19th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Paint
Pair of Neoclassical Armchairs
Located in New York, NY
A fine pair of Neoclassical armchairs. Karelian Birch with carved details
and central carved giltwood detail on the backrest.
Category
1820s Russian Antique Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Birch, Giltwood
Pair of Swedish Gustavian 18th Century White and Green Armchairs, Sweden
Located in New York, NY
Pair of Swedish Gustavian 18th century white and green armchairs. Pair of beautiful armchairs made in Sweden during the transition of 18th and 19th century. White painted with green ...
Category
Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Neoclassical Seating
Pair Of Russian Neoclassic Mahogany Armchairs
Located in Essex, MA
Scroll back of generous proportions. Gilded details at top of back. Scroll arms with acanthus carving. Raised on turned tapered legs. Casters. Manly size scale.
Category
Early 19th Century European Antique Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Mahogany, Giltwood
Pair of Mahogany Dining Room Chairs, Paris, circa 1810
Located in Greding, DE
Pair of mahogany chairs circa 1810 on balustered front legs and slightly flared back legs. The backs each display a laurel wreath. Stamped Jaco...
Category
1810s French Antique Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Mahogany
18th Century Carved and Painted Neo-Classical Chair
Located in Dallas, TX
Gorgeous and rare carved and painted Neo-Classical style chair. Upholstered in 1958 in Fortuny. An exceptional piece!!
Category
18th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
Antique Italian Neoclassical Louis XVI Petite Giltwood Bergeres, Armchairs
Located in Dallas, TX
Antique Italian neoclassical Louis XVI Petite Giltwood Bergeres ~ Armchairs are the perfect choice for cozy seating groups, bedrooms, or anywhere a surprisingly comfortable seat with...
Category
Early 20th Century Italian Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Fabric, Giltwood
Neo Classic Mahogany Dining Chair
Located in Westwood, NJ
Modern Neo Classic mahogany side chair, the flame veneered bar top rail and solid splat above an upholstered seat, on square tapering legs.
Dimensions...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Wood
French Restoration Mahogany and Parcel Gilt Armchair
Located in New York, NY
The tub-form padded back covered in a herringbone rainbow silk jacquard with reeded gilt crest rail terminating in scrolls and issuing two Downs-swept arms with gilt reeding and foli...
Category
1820s French Antique Neoclassical Seating
Materials
Abalone, Silk, Upholstery, Foam, Mahogany
Neoclassical seating for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Neoclassical seating for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 21st Century and Contemporary, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage seating created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include seating, building and garden elements, more furniture and collectibles and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, fabric and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Neoclassical seating made in a specific country, there are Europe, Italy, and North America pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original seating, popular names associated with this style include Carpanese Home Italia, Modenese Gastone, Greenapple, and GF Modern. It’s true that these talented designers have at times inspired knockoffs, but our experienced specialists have partnered with only top vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee. Prices for seating differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $300 and tops out at $225,000 while the average work can sell for $3,861.